Komodo studio builds?

[D. O'Bryan]

Hi guys - been mulling over possible configurations for the new kid in town. Possibly the aspect I'm most excited about with this new form factor is that one can go from full studio build to a super stripped down handheld cam. Going HH is easy, and I have/have ordered:

Blueshape BP975's

GDU Timmy rib + WC wooden grip

Vipergears Hasselblad WLF adaptor (if you haven't seen this thing, it is the coolest )



However, studio build is a lil extra. Something I haven't seen anyone address is where to mount the plethora of aks that a studio build demands. Given the Komodo's diminutive build, there ain't exactly a lot of space to slap a teradek, TC box, MDR, dumb side monitor, etc.

Even on the DSMC2 I have started building more in the style of an Alexa mini, with most of the gak sandwiched between a rail mounted battery and the rear of the camera. Nice and tidy, without too many extra cables dangling all over.

I will start by saying I am NOT a fan of many of the battery plates out there. WC battery slide is slick but feels like a good way to rip the left battery port right out of the camera.
I love their B box, and plan to order one for breakout - leaving the left plate open for a hot swap battery. I would LOVE to see something along the lines of the Alexa Mini only WC D-Box Plus but for Komodo, with SDI breakout as well as a million power options. Plus, as far as I can tell, the D-Box Plus solves the problem of non-powered RS ports.


What is everyone planning for their studio builds?

 

[M Harvey]

My Komodo is supposed to arrive tomorrow, and I have a mixture of Tilta and Wooden Camera accessories on order. It's such a flexible camera that the rigging possibilities almost create anxiety! So I'm also eager to hear about what other people have done with their set-ups.

For studio build, I'm thinking similar to you-- long rods to allow follow focus/matte box in front, power (and potentially audio) in back. I have the Tilta 15mm rod mount adapter on order, as well as the Wooden Camera handle kit that offers 15mm rod mounts facing both ways (perpendicular to lens for EVF/monitor/mic, parallel for lens accessories).

As for power distribution and I/O box, I'm waiting to see how I use the camera and what new options become available. I've ordered the Tilta v-mount adapter, but also the appropriate d-tap cable to power the camera from a rod-mounted battery plate (Alexa Mini style).

Do we know about I/O options coming other than the Red and Wooden Camera units? I'm not sure I want to mess with rod height (the under-mounted Red unit) or give up a battery slot (the WC unit). The cable on the Red unit looks too short to allow a different mounting option (e.g. on rods).

 

[D. O'Bryan]

It's such a flexible camera that the rigging possibilities almost create anxiety!

Exactly!

Doesn't help that a lot of these options aren't even in peoples hands yet.

For studio build, I'm thinking similar to you-- long rods to allow follow focus/matte box in front, power (and potentially audio) in back.

I forgot to list an A-Box. Yet another thing we have to mount! (tbh, I can only think of one time that I actually used my A Box...)

Do we know about I/O options coming other than the Red and Wooden Camera units? I'm not sure I want to mess with rod height (the under-mounted Red unit) or give up a battery slot (the WC unit). The cable on the Red unit looks too short to allow a different mounting option (e.g. on rods).

Had a chance to play with the RED unit, and really didn't like it. There's a thread in here complaining about the lack of a right angle lemo. And, as you said, bottom mount totally ruins the lens center. That's why I really love the WC B box. Leave a port for a hot swap battery, get all your breakout ports solidly mounted where they ought to be, and hang the heavy gold mounts and addl. aks off the rear rails.

There's also the psychological element for client - it'll look like a pro cine camera once again. :rofl: